Vitiligo is a
hypopigmentation disorder of the
skin characterized by complete loss
of melanocytes, the cells
responsible for skin color. It
results in white patches of skin
with sharp borders, defined by
normally pigmented skin. The most
common areas affected by vitiligo
are the face, elbows, knees, and
hands, though it can appear anywhere on the
body. Some individuals may
only exhibit one or two patches, while others may have
small patches over the majority of their
body's. Vitiligo can even affect the scalp
and result in white hair growth. It
is considered to be both progressive
and stable. [1]
It is not completely
understood what causes a loss of
melanocytes in the individuals with
vitiligo. Several
theories do exist, including, an autoimmune
destruction of melanocytes, a
neurotoxic destruction of
melanocytes, and chemical toxicity
resulting in melanocyte death. There are several
precipitating factors associated with the onset of vitiligo. These include; physical
trauma (especially to the head),
family history of vitiligo, and
autoimmune diseases such as
Addison's, diabetes, pernicious
anemia, and thyroid disease. [2]
Vitiligo may
begin at any age, though it most
commonly occurs between the ages of
10 - 30. It affects men and women
equally, as well as all races.
Vitiligo is extremely rare in
newborns. Additionally, it is
equally uncommon for elderly
individuals to
suddenly develop the condition. [3]
-
It is estimated
that 1 - 2% of individuals worldwide
are affected by vitiligo. That
accounts for approximately 50 - 60 million
people. In the US alone, 2 - 5
million people are affected by
this condition. It affects each race
equally across the globe. [4]
-
While Vitiligo may begin
at any age, some 50% of reported cases
will be diagnosed by the age of
20. 95% are diagnosed by the
age of 40. [5]
-
20-30% of
individuals with vitiligo will
also have a family member with
vitiligo. A child born to a
parent with vitiligo has a 10%
chance of also developing the
condition. [6]
-
Up to 30% of
individuals with vitiligo will
also have thyroid disease, mostly
affecting women. Less than 5% of
cases will have diabetes mellitus
along with vitiligo. [7]
Patients will present
with a gradual onset of pigment loss
in otherwise normal skin. It may be
associated with an ongoing
autoimmune condition. The borders
of the white patches will be sharply
defined and irregular. The first
lesions may appear on the fingers,
elbows, or knees and slowly spread
to other parts of the body.
Vitiligo
presents with very few symptoms. Individuals may complain that the
white patches are more sensitive to
sun and burn easily. Some
individuals may also be experiencing
premature graying of hair and even
early balding. Otherwise, the major
complaint is cosmetic in nature.
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